The 24-year-old defender has been sidelined with a knee injury picked up in the 3-0 Galpharm defeat by Oldham on November 25.

But he is raring to get cracking with the Reserves when he returns to action against West Brom at the Galpharm tomorrow (2.00).

Clarke, delighted as he watched Town's superb 2-1 win at Bournemouth from the Dean Court stands, revealed his frustration at being out.

He said: "It's been a nightmare to be honest, sitting on the sidelines, especially when we hadn't been doing too well.

"It's been such a frustrating time watching the lads especially when they know they haven't been playing as well as they could do.

"The gaffer needs everyone there and everyone pulling their weight but unfortunately I haven't been able to do that, but now I'm back and I want to play my part in the rest of the season."

During his absence Town have kept only two clean sheets in 10 games - in the goalless draws against Millwall and Chesterfield.

Clarke, named as one of the top 50 players outside the Premiership for the past two seasons and Town's Player of the Year in 2004-05, added: "I've been working really hard with Lee Martin (physio) and everything seems to be going really well, touch wood.

"I'm itching to be involved and I'm hoping for at least half a game with the Reserves and then to begin pushing to get back in the first team sooner rather than later.

"In the past I've had a bit of a poor run-in with injuries but I feel like I've come back from this one really strong and I'm just looking to get my chance now and help the lads again."

Jackson is delighted with Clarke's progress.

"I may be looking to bring in some signings with two players going in the last 24 hours (Pawel Abbott and Danny Adams), but having Nathan coming back is a major boost for us," he said.

"He will start the game and we will assess him at half time and see how he's going. Then we'll determine how long he might actually play.

"His fitness levels have looked really, really good and he is definitely ahead of the original schedule for his comeback, but we will assess him through the game and see how long he can do.

"It will just be very encouraging to see him back in action and we know how much he is looking forward to it."

Clarke will play alongside John McCombe in a flat back four with Adam Wilson and James Hand the full-backs.

Aaron Hardy will play alongside Adnan Ahmed in central midfield while John McAliskey leads the attack.

Skipper Jon Worthington (groin) didn't train yesterday but Jackson is still hopeful he will be available for Saturday's home clash with Chesterfield.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher was expected back in training today while Mark Hudson remains under treatment for ligament damage.